PR: Students to converge on Parliament for 2015 National Student CHOGM

PR:STUDENTS TO CONVERGE ON PARLIAMENT FOR 2015 NATIONAL STUDENT CHOGM

COMMONWEALTH YOUTH NEW ZEALAND
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

21 AUGUST 2015

Some of New Zealand's brightest young leaders will assemble at Parliament next week for a two-day conference aimed at enhancing their knowledge and understanding of the Commonwealth. National Student CHOGM is the premier annual event hosted by Commonwealth Youth New Zealand.

In this setting, delegates take on the role of Head of Government or Foreign Minister of a Commonwealth member state, or as a member of the media. Held on 24 and 25 August, delegates will debate issues such as immigration and refugee status to the role of young people in the Commonwealth.

"National Student CHOGM is an exciting and challenging opportunity for young leaders to learn about diplomacy, international politics and the place of the Commonwealth in the modern world", said Patrick Lindsay, Coordinator of the National Student CHOGM Programme.

"More students than ever before are participating in this year’s event, and I’m excited to welcome a number of schools that have never before sent delegations."

Scots College student, Connor Slattery, has been chosen as the conference's Secretary-General. "I hope to see how the individual views of each country discussed in “The World” session are developed throughout the rest of the conference, as I believe this will be a step forward in reflecting the unity that the Commonwealth prides itself on."

Marlborough Girls College's Bonnie Harrison, who as been appointed Associate Secretary-General, is looking to develop her leadership skills. "As a student who has been supported and nurtured in her passions - debating, speechmaking, and politics - I love seeing young people bring their freshness and their fire together, and to such a prestigious platform".

"What I am particularly interested in seeing is the discussion of social equality between students of a generation that is becoming increasingly aware of these injustices", said Harrison.

This year marks the 34th anniversary of the first National Student CHOGM which was opened by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. The Commonwealth Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr Kamalesh Sharma, will address the meeting via video message.

ENDS